(Newser)
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Two-term GOP Sen. George Voinovich will retire in 2010 rather than seek reelection, the AP reports, raising Democrats’ hopes to snag an additional seat in the battleground state of Ohio. Voinovich's announcement, expected today, comes as two other Republican senators in swing states have said they won't run again. Just 44% of Ohio voters believe Voinovich should be reelected, a poll found last month; his approval rating is 51%.

“If the news of Senator Voinovich's retirement is true, it would represent a real loss for the people of the Buckeye State," said a Democratic Ohio congressman who could be a contender for the seat. "His moderate and independent voice will be missed."